Category: Soybeans

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2025

Western Maryland

As the days get shorter and the evenings brisk, the harvest season is just about finished. Still, some late-planted corn and double-crop soybeans are standing, but they will soon fall to the combine. Wheat, barley, triticale, and other cover crops have enjoyed the recent showers, and carpets of green now cover once barren harvested fields. Once the final tally is made, I suspect we will have had an average year, whatever that is. We have seen some good yields, and we have seen fields where the only reason the combine traverses the field is for a crop insurance calculation. As with every year before, most will put another log on the fire, sip some coffee, and pray for a better year in 2026. Farmers are the most optimistic lot on earth. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends. We will see you next season.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

Corn and soybean harvest is complete. Sorghum harvest is almost complete. Some cover crops and small grains have been planted. We have gotten some rain this past week (up to half an inch); however, most of the region is still in a moderate drought.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Harvest ‘25 is all but finished; only a few acres of corn and some double crop soybeans remain. Corn yields were very strong despite some fairly significant disease pressure. Some instances of plants falling apart and lodging, but overall it was a big crop and a smooth harvest. Full season soybeans did not fare as well, likely due to the very dry August; however, double crop beans are yielding very well as they received September rain. Cover crop and small grain establishment looks very good, setting us up for great yield potential going into 2026.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Corn and soybean harvests are just about wrapped up across the region, and most growers are reporting good to excellent yields. Wheat and cover crops planted this fall are off to a solid start, with decent moisture helping them establish well. The rains should help them put on enough root mass to overwinter effectively. Overall, this season treated us much better than last year, and hopefully we keep moving in the right direction heading into next year. All we can do now is hope.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Grain harvest is finishing earlier than typical, largely due to the dry weather this fall. Corn is approximately 90% harvested, and soybean 70%. Corn and soybean yields are average to below average, likely due to the droughts over the summer. Cover crops have been planted and are coming up nicely. Wheat has also been planted and off to a good start.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Most corn is off and farmers are working on finishing double crop bean harvest. Cover crop is in and looks good. Here is a recap of the 2025 season here in Southern Maryland. The area finally received a cold winter with a number of days in the single digits in January of 2025. Spring arrived with very good initial planting conditions. Rains slowed planting progress as we moved into May. Some areas never dried out, making for late planted corn and beans. We ended up with a split planting season- some early planted crops and many late. Striped rust on wheat made an appearance in late May. The wheat crop came off fast this year with excellent yields and good quality, though prices limited profitability. The region experienced a string of high temperatures towards the end of June and into July that stressed crops. Fortunately, the heat came with rain showers in time for pollination. Both beans and corn looked good entering the dog days of summer in late July. However as often is the case, the rains stopped with minimal precipitation throughout August and the first weeks of September. We received rains again in time for the County fair, but unfortunately much damage had already been done. Corn fared better than beans with reported yield at or above average. Beans made a lot of pods but just didn’t have the water to fill out. Double crop beans may out yield full season beans this year. The region had a good hay and pasture growth this year, with many opportunities to make good quality hay. On the vegetable front, the year turned out decent. Tomatoes struggled the most with the heat and intermittent rains causing issues with fruit set and quality resulting and very limited tomato stock in July and August. Peppers, watermelons, sweet corn, and other crops fared better. The cooler fall resulted in good catch up yields on most vegetable crops. The region had a phenomenal pumpkin season with great yields and quality.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

November 2025 Grain Market Report

Dale Johnson, Farm Business Management Specialist | dmj@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Corn

This month’s 2025/26 U.S. corn outlook is for increases in supply, exports, and ending stocks. Total supply is 144 million bushels higher as larger beginning stocks are partially offset by lower production. Beginning stocks are 207 million bushels higher based on the September 30 Grain Stocks report. Corn production is forecast at 16.8 billion bushels, down 62 million from September on a 0.7-bushel reduction in yield to 186.0 bushels per acre. Harvested area for grain is unchanged at 90.0 million acres. Total use is up 100 million bushels reflecting a higher export forecast. Exports are raised 100 million bushels to 3.1 billion reflecting shipments to date. Inspection data imply exports set a monthly record during September and again in October. With supply rising more than use, corn ending stocks are up 44 million bushels to 2.154 billion. The season-average corn price received by producers is raised 10 cents to $4.00 per bushel.

Soybeans

Soybean production is forecast at 4.3 billion bushels, down 48 million, on lower yields. The soybean yield is projected down 0.5 bushels to 53.0 bushels per acre. Soybean supplies are projected to be 61 million bushels lower than the September forecast, due to lower beginning stocks from the September 30 Grain Stocks report and reduced production. U.S. soybean exports are forecast at 1.64 billion bushels, down 50 million from the previous forecast due to lower supplies and higher exports by Brazil and Argentina. In September, Argentina temporarily reduced export taxes leading to an influx of export registrations during the peak U.S. export season. Further, since the last report, the U.S. entered a trade deal with China, which led to higher U.S. prices and narrowed the price spread between U.S. and other major exporters. While U.S. soybean exports are expected to rise to China for the rest of the marketing year, these higher shipments could be offset by reductions to other markets where the United States no longer holds a large price discount compared to other exporters. U.S. soybean crush is unchanged and ending stocks are forecast down marginally. The U.S. season average soybean price for 2025/26 is raised $0.50 to $10.50 per bushel.

Wheat

The outlook for 2025/26 U.S. wheat this month is for larger supplies and higher ending stocks, with no change to use. Supplies are raised on greater production, up 58 million bushels to 1,985 million, on a record all wheat yield based on the September 30 Small Grains Summary. The season-average farm price is lowered $0.10 per bushel to $5.00 as larger global supplies reduce price expectations for the remainder of the marketing year.

Tank Mix Options for Postemergence & Residual Weed Control in Soybean

Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Extension Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

In 2025, studies were conducted to explore the effectiveness of mixing different herbicides for controlling weeds in herbicide-tolerant (E3) soybean. Studies focused on two main factors: applying the herbicides at different times and using a combination of products that have both foliar and residual activity.

Using a mix of herbicides with different sites-of-action can help control a wider range of weed species. It’s a more reliable strategy than simply rotating herbicides year after year. By targeting multiple biological processes, the likelihood of a weed developing resistance to one specific herbicide is greatly reduced. However, it’s important to remember that some herbicides are great for immediate weed control, but herbicides with residual activity are often needed to ensure weeds don’t come back later in the season.

The study was conducted at the Wye Research and Education Center, as well as a grower’s field in Cordova, MD. Treatments evaluated both conventional and organic herbicides to see how well mixing different products worked when applied to emerged weeds (Table 1). Conventional treatments included Reflex and Enlist One, either alone or mixed together or with Dual Magnum. Organic treatments included Axxe and Homeplate, either on their own or in combination. A non-chemical method, flame-weeding, was also included.

Table 1. Postemergence weed control treatments.
Treatment(s) a Rate Timing b
Reflex 1.5 pt EPOST or MPOST
Enlist One 2 pt EPOST or MPOST
Reflex + Enlist One 1.5 pt + 2 pt EPOST or MPOST
Reflex + Dual 1.5 pt + 1.5 pt EPOST or MPOST
Enlist One + Dual Magnum 2pt + 1.5 pt EPOST or MPOST
Reflex + Enlist + Dual Magnum 1.5 pt + 2 pt + 1.5 pt EPOST or MPOST
Axxe 13% v/v EPOST or MPOST
Homeplate 6% v/v EPOST or MPOST
Axxe + Homeplate 13% v/v + 6% v/v EPOST or MPOST
Flame-weeding  N/A EPOST or MPOST

a Treatments containing Reflex, Enlist One, or Dual Magnum included Scanner at 0.25% v/v. Treatments containing Axxe or Homeplate included Oroboost at 0.25% v/v.

b Treatments were applied early-postemergence (EPOST) when weeds were approximately 3 inches tall or mid-postemergence (MPOST) one week later at the Wye site. Only one postemergence application occurred at the Cordova site.

Wye Results

The timing of spraying did not change how well weeds were controlled 34 days after early postemergence applications. This is probably because the two spray dates were only a week apart. Overall, herbicide programs that included Enlist gave better control of lambsquarters, morningglory, and smooth pigweed than the other treatments (Figure 1).

Graph showing broadleaf weed control at Wye REC
Figure 1. Broadleaf weed control at the Wye Research and Education Center 34 days after early post applications. Means for the same species followed by the same letter are not significantly different (α = 0.05).

Even though they are not labeled for grass control, the conventional herbicides still controlled 85% to 92% of grasses like large crabgrass, giant foxtail, and fall panicum. The organic herbicides controlled 62% to 68% of these grasses.

Axxe, Axxe + Homeplate, and flame-weeding sometimes worked as well as conventional herbicides, but their results were inconsistent. In some plots they gave complete weed control, and in others they gave none (Figure 2). Organic herbicides kill weeds by burning the plant tissue, and they don’t work as well on bigger, more mature plants. Even though the goal was to spray when weeds were only 3 inches tall, some larger weeds were present, which likely made the organic herbicides less effective.

Soybean plots--one with weeds and one without
Figure 2. Wye REC: Side-by-side plots show A) conventional weed control treatments (Reflex, Enlist and Dual) compared with B) organic treatments (Axxe + Homeplate) 34 days after early post-applications. Images: Jadon Cook, University of Maryland.

Cordova Results

Palmer amaranth was the main weed at the Cordova location (Figure 3). Seven days after applications (DAA), the Reflex + Enlist treatments gave the best control followed by Enlist alone and Enlist + Dual (Figure 4).

Palmer amaranth weeds in the a soybean field
Figure 3. Cordova: Aerial view shows weed control plots where Palmer amaranth became the dominant species when left uncontrolled. Image: K. Vollmer, Univ. of Maryland.
Graph of Palmer amaranth control in Cordova trial
Figure 4. Palmer amaranth control in Cordova 7 and 21 days after postemergence applications. Means for the same date followed by the same letter are not significantly different (α = 0.05).

Similar results were observed 21 DAA. Treatments containing Reflex and Enlist controlled 99–100% of the Palmer amaranth. In fact, almost no Palmer plants were found in these plots at either rating date. The number of plants in the Reflex + Dual treatment also did not change between rating dates (Figure 5).

Graph of Palmer amarath density at cordova trial
Figure 5. Palmer amaranth density in Cordova, MD 7 and 21 days after postemergence applications. Means for the same date followed by the same letter are not significantly different (α = 0.05).

Mixing herbicides that work in different ways is an important step to slow down weed resistance and get better weed control. It may cost more at first, but it can save money and trouble later. Using Reflex together with Enlist gave very good control of Palmer amaranth. Reflex and Dual Magnum also leave a soil “barrier” that keeps new weeds from sprouting. Even one Palmer amaranth plant that survives can quickly become hard to manage. Spray programs that stop weeds now and keep new ones from coming up later can save money and give better control than having to make several passes using only one type of herbicide each time.

Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the Maryland Soybean board for funding this research; summer interns, Elise Lankford and Shelby Gustafson; as well as the Agronomy crew at the Wye REC, and our on farm cooperator.

Soybean Aphid Populations Increasing

Hayden Schug, Agriculture Agent | hschug@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Charles County

Soybean aphids have been spotted in several fields across Southern Maryland this week, with notable activity in St. Mary’s County and Charles County. Infestations were first observed along field edges but have since been found deeper into the canopy in some locations. As you can see from the pictures, the fields look relatively healthy from the road, and it isn’t until you enter the field that you notice the large aphid populations, which is why it is important to keep scouting your fields regularly. Aphids were clustered on the undersides of leaves, along petioles, and around new growth, with many plants showing multiple colonies. In some spots, the density was high enough that honeydew, a sticky sweet substance aphids excrete, was visible creating a sheen on leaves and causing fungus to grow.

Soybean field
Soybean Field at threshold for aphids with no obvious visual signs. Image. H. Schug, Univ. of Maryland.

The soybean aphid is a small, yellow-green insect with black cornicles protruding from the rear of its body. Winged forms are dark with clear wings, while wingless forms are pale and slow-moving. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissue and removing sap, which can stress plants, reduce photosynthetic efficiency, and in high numbers, lead to leaf curling, yellowing, and stunting. Prolonged feeding during the reproductive stages (until R6) can lower pod set, reduce seed fill, and ultimately cause measurable yield loss. In addition to direct feeding damage, soybean aphids can transmit plant viruses, although this has not been a major yield factor in Maryland.

Scouting and Thresholds

University research across the Midwest has established an economic threshold of 250 aphids per plant, averaged across multiple sampling points, with populations actively increasing and plants still in the <R6 stages. Scouting should involve checking 20–30 plants per field, spread across several locations, including edges and interiors. The undersides of leaves and growing points are key inspection sites, as aphids prefer sheltered feeding areas.

Small green aphids on underside of soybean leaf
About 80 aphids are on the underside of this leaf. Image: H. Schug, Univ. of Maryland.

Natural enemies, including lady beetle adults and larvae, green lacewing larvae, minute pirate bugs, and various parasitoid wasps, play an important role in regulating aphid populations. Their activity should be noted during scouting. In some cases, robust predator populations can keep aphid numbers below threshold, especially if environmental conditions are unfavorable for aphid reproduction. Rain events can also play a key role in knocking down large aphid population levels, so this must be taken into account when making management decisions.

Management Considerations

If thresholds are reached and plants are still younger than R6, an insecticide application may be warranted. Although you should also take into consideration the weather and the 1.3-2.5% yield loss from wheel tracks with applications made during R1-R5. Pyrethroid products have been the primary tool for soybean aphid control in the Mid-Atlantic, but resistance has been confirmed in parts of the upper Midwest. Although Maryland populations have not shown resistance that I am aware of, it is important to rotate insecticide modes of action where possible to delay resistance development. Follow label directions closely, including restrictions on application timing and rates, and be aware of preharvest intervals.

Hot, dry conditions can favor both aphids and spider mites. If using a pyrethroid during these conditions, monitor for mite flare-ups in the weeks following treatment. Avoid unnecessary applications to preserve beneficial insects, which are critical for season-long pest suppression.

In summary, soybean aphids are present but only a few fields show damaging levels in most Southern Maryland. Continued monitoring is key, and management should be based on established thresholds to protect yield while minimizing unnecessary insecticide use.

Small, white aphid molts on green soybean leaf
Soybean leaf covered in molted aphid skins. Image: H. Schug, Univ. of Maryland.

Mid-Summer Insect Scouting Priorities in Row Crops

Hayden Schug, Agriculture Agent | hschug@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Charles County

As we move into July and August, insect pressure tends to ramp up across Maryland row crops, particularly in soybeans and corn. These months are critical for monitoring pest activity and making timely, threshold-based decisions. Several pests are commonly active during this period, including corn earworm, stink bugs, Japanese beetles, other defoliators, and spider mites.

Corn earworm moths typically migrate into Maryland in larger numbers in mid to late July, although some can overwinter here, and early flights have already been reported moving up the coast. In soybeans, larvae can cause significant injury during the R1 to R5 growth stages by feeding on pods and developing seeds. When I ran the numbers, the threshold was approximately 2.5 larvae per 15 sweeps, but thresholds can vary depending on market value and treatment cost. You can use the NCSU dynamic threshold calculator to run your own field-specific estimates: https://go.umd.edu/CEW. It’s important to sample evenly across the field, as female moths may lay eggs in clusters, leading to localized infestations. Many corn earworm populations show resistance to pyrethroids, so growers should consider using alternative insecticide chemistries when treatment is needed.

An image of corn earworm, green cloverworm, and soybean looper on a white background
Figure 1. Common soybean pest caterpillars. Graphic by Hayden Schug, University of Maryland.

Defoliating insects, such as Japanese beetles, bean leaf beetles, grasshoppers, green cloverworms, and soybean loopers, can all be active during July and August. Last year in Southern Maryland, there were soybean fields that reached defoliation thresholds from grasshopper feeding alone. In many cases, damage was more severe in the center of the field, so it’s important to walk the entire field and not rely solely on edge scouting. Defoliation thresholds are based on cumulative injury from all feeding insects. Economic thresholds are 30 percent defoliation before bloom (V1–V6), 15 percent from bloom through pod fill (R1–R6), and 25 percent from full seed to maturity (R7–R8). A helpful visual guide and estimator tool is available through the University of Nebraska (Figure 2).

Diagram of soybean plant and how to determine defoliation percentage
Figure 2. Sampling soybean defoliation. Infographic by Justin McMehan, University of Nebraska.

Stink bugs, including brown and brown marmorated species, are another priority pest in soybeans and corn during mid-summer. They damage pods by piercing and feeding on developing seeds, often resulting in aborted or shriveled beans. Scouting is most important from R3 to R5. The general treatment threshold is five stink bugs per 15 sweeps, but this drops to three per 15 sweeps in fields grown for seed or planted early.

Finally, spider mites may become a problem during periods of hot, dry weather, especially along field edges. These pests cause stippling and bronzing of leaves and can spread quickly under drought stress. Treatment should be considered when active mites are present on the undersides of leaves and bronzing or stippling begins to move into the upper canopy. Threshold estimates follow the 15 percent defoliation threshold, and plants should be treated when that level of injury is reached. 

In corn, Japanese beetles can clip silks and interfere with pollination. The treatment threshold is 3 or more beetles per ear, and pollination is still ongoing. Almost all pollination occurs within the first 4-5 days of silking, so any damage done by silk clipping after that period should not affect yield. It is important to look at ears throughout the field as Japanese beetles tend to congregate on field edges. 

Regular scouting during the next several weeks will be essential to managing pest pressure effectively. Making decisions based on economic thresholds helps protect yield while avoiding unnecessary insecticide applications. If you would like assistance with scouting, pest identification, or choosing control options, contact your local Extension office.

Scouting Smarter: June Insect Pressure and Threshold Tips

Hayden Schug, Agriculture Agent | hschug@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Charles County

As Maryland’s corn and soybean fields move into early vegetative and reproductive stages, June marks a key time for pest scouting. Early detection and threshold-based decisions are the foundation of a strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, and this month brings several common threats that row crop producers should be on the lookout for.

Begin scouting for stink bugs in corn, especially along field edges. These pests often move in from neighboring wheat fields during harvest or from forested areas. They tend to show up first along borders and gradually move toward the field interior, so edge-focused scouting is important early on. From V1 to V6, the treatment threshold is 13 stink bugs per 100 plants; this drops to 10 per 100 plants from V14 to VT. Pyrethroids have shown good knockdown efficacy against stink bugs, but keep in mind that they tend to have a short residual period.

Soybean fields are also entering critical scouting windows. VE to V3 soybeans are susceptible to early defoliation from bean leaf beetles, grasshoppers, and other chewing pests. While the damage may look concerning, soybeans can tolerate up to 30 percent defoliation before bloom without experiencing yield loss. Be sure to scout multiple locations across the field, not just the edges, as field borders often exaggerate pest pressure.

Slugs have caused some issues this spring in Southern Maryland. While most fields are planted by June, it’s still worth noting that slugs can remain a concern, especially in no-till systems with heavy residue. Ensuring good furrow closure is key to preventing slugs from accessing germinating seeds. Using row cleaners to clear residue from around the furrow can also help reduce slug habitat and early pressure. If damage is suspected, conducting stand counts can help determine whether replanting is necessary as soybeans can compensate for stand loss. 

Alfalfa should be scouted for potato leafhoppers beginning in late May/early June. Regular scouting is very important, once hopper burn becomes visible in the field, yield loss has already occurred. Unlike alfalfa weevil, where the first harvest often reduces populations enough to avoid further issues, potato leafhoppers have multiple generations each year and can quickly reinfest fields after harvest or treatment, so continued scouting is necessary. For a dynamic threshold calculator and detailed scouting tips, check out this resource from Penn State Extension, https://extension.psu.edu/potato-leafhopper-on-alfalfa.

Hot and dry weather can also accelerate the development of secondary pests, particularly spider mites along field edges. While not typically a major issue in June, early flare-ups can occur during periods of drought stress. It’s worth inspecting leaf undersides in stressed areas to catch hot spots before populations expand.

Effective scouting depends on consistent, thoughtful observation. Early morning or evening visits often reveal pests that remain hidden during the heat of the day. Scouting beyond the field edge helps avoid over- or underestimating pest populations. Most importantly, only apply insecticides when economic thresholds are met. Doing so helps reduce unnecessary costs, preserves beneficial insects, and slows the development of pesticide resistance.

Considerations for Preplant Control of Palmer amaranth and other Pigweeds in Soybean

small seeding plants growing in a tilled field
Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Extension Specialist|kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Palmer amaranth and other pigweeds have emerged and are thriving. These weeds can quickly become too large and dense to control with many herbicides, so fields should be scouted and control measures implemented immediately. A contact herbicide, such as paraquat, applied at a spray volume of 20 gal/A can be used to control small plants prior to planting.

Soil-applied, residual herbicides may also be included as part of the preplant application. Flumioxazin or sulfentrazone-based products plus metribuzin or pyroxasulfone or S-metolachlor plus metribuzin have proven to provide effective control of Palmer amaranth and other pigweeds. However, planting should not be delayed too long after application, as herbicide efficacy will wane over time. If possible, incorporate with at least 0.5 inches if irrigation to activate the herbicides. Consult the label before mixing any herbicides, and be aware of any rotational restrictions before applying these herbicides, especially to double-crop soybean. Applicators should also be aware of potential drift issues to sensitive areas.  

Cultivation can be effective on small seedlings (<3 inches), but larger plants are likely to re-grow if roots or stem remain in contact with the soil. Since Palmer amaranth can emerge throughout the growing season, repeated cultivation is necessary for control. However, local research has shown that spring tillage can result in higher Palmer amaranth densities compared to no-till systems. Other practices such as spring disking, chisel plowing, or vertical tillage will not provide adequate control. 

Regardless of the control method used, be sure to scout in a timely manner after each operation to determine if additional control is needed. Tank mixing at least two effective modes of action, such as Enlist One + Liberty, and an additional residual herbicide, is recommended for both postemergence control and herbicide resistance management. Reducing soybean row spacing from 30 inches to 15 inches will also allow for faster canopy development, which will help negate the need for additional weed control.

Soybean Replant Decisions: Weighing the Economics Before Turning the Planter Around

Nathan Glenn, Agriculture Agent Associate | nglenn@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Howard County

Cool, wet conditions and early-season pest or disease pressure across Maryland may have resulted in thin or uneven soybean stands, prompting farmers to ask: Should I replant? The answer hinges on one key question:

Will the expected gross return of a replanted stand be greater than the gross return of the existing thin or uneven stand?

A replant decision isn’t just agronomic—it’s economic. Later planting dates usually mean lower yield potential, and replanting incurs additional costs. Making a data-driven decision requires careful scouting, accurate calculations, and a clear understanding of potential return on investment. Here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Poor Stand

Before replanting, determine why the original stand failed. Cold soil temps, soil crusting, slug damage, herbicide injury, seedling disease, and insect damage are common culprits. Without addressing the root cause, a replant may suffer the same fate. Consider seed treatments, adjusting planting depth, or changing varieties if necessary. I have seen slug damage in every soybean field I have been in so far this year, but it seems like they might outgrow it, especially with this warm, dry weather forecasted in central Maryland over the next 10 days. Sometimes all you need is better weather!

Step 2: Conduct Accurate Stand Counts

Two common methods can help determine how many plants per acre you currently have:

  1. Traditional Row Length Method:
  • Count the number of plants in a length of row that equals 1/1,000th of an acre.
  • Example: In 30-inch rows, count plants in 17 feet, 5 inches.
  • Multiply the count by 1,000 to get plants/acre.
  1. Hula Hoop Method:
  • Toss a hoop (typically 30-inch diameter) randomly in the field.
  • Count the number of plants inside the hoop.
  • Multiply by a conversion factor (8,900 for 30-inch hoop) to estimate plants/acre.

Step 3: Estimate Yield Potential of the Current Stand

Use your plant population and uniformity to estimate yield potential:

Yield potential of a soybean field with reduced stands at 7.5 inch and 30 inch row spacings

Population

Drilled (7.5 inch rows)

Planter (30 inch rows)

160,000

100

100

120,000

100

100

80,000

96

100

60,000

92

94

40,000

87

88

20,000

77

81

10,000

58

72

 Adapted from Table 1.6-3, The Agronomy Guide, Penn State Extension

Yield potential of full-season soybeans due to uneven deficient stands (i.e. gaps)

Percent stand lost to gaps

140,000 plants/acre

105,000 plants/acre

70,000 plants/acre

0

100

97

95

10

98

96

93

20

96

93

91

30

93

90

88

40

89

86

83

50

84

81

78

60

78

75

73

 Adapted from Table 1.6-4, The Agronomy Guide, Penn State Extension

Step 4: Estimate Yield Potential of a Replanted Stand

Later planting reduces yield potential even in ideal conditions. Use the table below:

Approximate yield reduction of soybeans due to delayed planting date

Date

Percent of full yield potential

10-May

100

20-May

98

30-May

95

10-Jun

88

20-Jun

76

30-Jun*

70

10-Jul*

60

This table quantifies the estimated yield penalty as planting date is delayed. Adapted from Table 1.6-5, The Agronomy Guide, Penn State Extension. * Relevant only in areas where double cropping is practiced. 

Step 5: Estimate the Costs of Each Option

Costs of Keeping the reduced stand:

  • Reduced herbicide efficacy due to open canopy
  • Increased weed competition
  • Yield reduction

Costs of replanting:

  • Seed: $60–$80/acre
  • Fuel and labor: $10–$15/acre
  • Machinery wear: $5–$10/acre
  • Additional herbicide or pesticide: varies
  • Total estimated replant cost: $75–$120/acre

Step 6: Use a Soybean Replant Decision Worksheet

Here’s how the math works, step by step:

Example Scenario:

  • Current stand: 70,000 plants/acre, 20% gaps, 30 inch rows
  • Expected market price: $10.50/bu
  • Expected yield of a full stand: 60 bu/acre

Current Stand:

  • 91% of normal yield (70,000 plants w/20% gaps)
  • 60 bu/ac × 0.91 = 54.6 bu/ac
  • Added costs = $0
  • Gross return = 54.6 bu × $10.50 = $573.30/ac

Replant Option:

  • Planted June 10 → 88% yield potential
  • 60 bu × 0.88 = 52.8 bu/ac
  • Gross return = 52.8 bu × $10.50 = $554.40/ac
  • Added costs = $100/ac
  • Gross return = $554.40 – $100 = $454.40/ac

Conclusion: Do not replant—your current stand is more profitable by $118 per acre

Final Thoughts

Soybean replant decisions should always be based on data, not emotion. Accurately assess plant population, uniformity, yield potential, and costs. Many reduced stands still yield competitively, especially when gaps are minimal and plants are healthy.

For help making the best decision for your farm, contact your local Extension office or agronomist.

University of Maryland Researchers Encourage Farmers to Participate in TAPS program

Researchers at the University of Maryland are inviting growers across the state to participate in their University of Maryland – Testing Ag Performance Solutions (UMD-TAPS) program this year. The program is supported by the Maryland Soybean Board and will run throughout the summer.

Piloted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the TAPS program provides farmers with a zero-risk opportunity to advance their agricultural management skills and knowledge. It serves as a growing season contest and research framework, designed to uncover how producers’ management decisions drive crop yields, farm profitability, and input-use efficiency.

Growers must make decisions about variety selection, fertility, pest management, and irrigation and their management decisions will be executed in small plots at the Wye Research and Education Center. Decisions made by all participants will be executed in one field, in a true head-to-head competition. The goal is to identify which suite of management decisions will become the most profitable, efficient, and highest yielding.

Researchers at the Maryland Agricultural Experimentation Station (MAES) WYE Research and Education Center will lead the program and gather data on each plot to share with farmers.

When the season ends, growers will participate in an awards dinner where they will gain access to valuable data sets to help them enhance their agricultural operations.

The irrigated corn competition is limited to 20 teams and the irrigated soybean competition is limited to 15 teams. Due to limited availability, researchers urge teams to sign up as soon as possible.

Interested applicants can sign up by following this link: bit.ly/UMDTAPS25. For any questions, please reach out to Dr. Nicole Fiorellino at nfiorell@umd.edu.

2024 Soybean & Corn Pest Management Survey

Farmers and crop consultants are encouraged to complete this survey

This survey is intended to estimate the impact of pests on soybeans and currently used management strategies. Your perspective is valuable in making these estimates as accurate as possible. Your responses will be kept confidential and only aggregated responses for the state will be published. You can find last year’s estimates at https://midsouthentomologist.org.msstate.edu/Volume17/Vol-17-1_TOC.html.

The survey can be completed online at https://delaware.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8GnhiHa4rn9ToPP or by following the QR code. If you have any questions, please contact us by email or phone. We look forward to hearing from you.

Local Contact: David Owens, University of Delaware     

Email:            owensd@udel.edu                  bcsam@udel.edu        

Phone:            C: (302) 698-7125        

Local Contact: Kelly Hamby, University of Maryland

Email:       kahamby@umd.edu

Phone:      C: (925) 354 0483